Ayetoro community woke up to a sad Tuesday after a midnight fire swept through parts of its market, leaving traders counting heavy losses.
By mid-morning of Wednesday of November 19, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, had visited the site of the inferno for an on the spot assessment.
No casualty was recorded but goods worth millions of naira were reportedly lost to the fire.
Although, the cause of the fire outbreak was yet unknown, one of the traders noted that it may not be unconnected with a midnight electric surge.
Olatunji, who was in company of market leaders including the Babaloja and Iyaloja of Oluyole, offered his sympathy and called for more vigilance and caution particularly with electricity usage in their various shops.
The Council boss reminded the traders of the approaching season which he described as always dry and harsh with tendency to trigger inferno at a slight ignition.
He assured that his administration would provide necessary support to affected traders while making move to collaborate more closely with relevant agencies of the state government for more support.
The council also stated that efforts have already begun towards working with the State Emergency Management Agency to arrange relief for everyone affected.
“This is very sad, I can understand the pain you feel at this moment considering the state of the nation’s economy at this period. Be assured that we will do what we can to help you ameliorate the pain.
” I’ll also lias with relevant state government authorities particularly OYSEMA to see what can be done to provide relief for victims.
“It is very important I mention this, please, take note that all sources of electric supply to your shops and businesses are turned off completely after the close of the day’s business.
“We understand that some people may be negligible but we must consider what our negligence may cause to others. We must always endeavour to put off our electricity whenever we’re returning home after the day’s business,” Olatunji reiterated.
Market leaders took turns acknowledging the chairman’s quick response.
The Babaloja of Ayetoro, Alhaji Isiaka Omogboye, said the community was fortunate to have a leader who always shows up when it matters.
The Babaloja General, Alhaji Mukaila Olalere, who expressed similar gratitude to the chairman, offered prayers for Olatunji, while commending his unrelenting commitment to the wellbeing of Oluyole residents.
The Iyaloja of Ayetoro, Mrs. Ojolowo Folashade, also expressed appreciation for the compassion and speed with which the chairman arrived the scene after the incident.
Some of the traders affected by the fire: Mrs. Rashidat Taofeek, Mrs. Iyiola Monsurat, Mr. Kareem Toheeb, Mrs. Adeyemo Abioaum and Mr. Hammeed Raji in their separate remarks, recalled how the fire broke out shortly after midnight and spread before anyone could contain it.
Despite their grief, they thanked the chairman and community leaders for showing up very quickly while assuring of their cooperation with the government in trying to address the situation.
Also present at the scene of the inferno were the Leader of Oluyole Legislative House, Hon. Taofeek Azeez, Special Adviser on Works Hon. Akangbe Abel, PDP chieftain Mrs. Folashade Ayoola, alongside other market and community leaders.